62 ANNALS OF THE ROAD. 



and almost wonders have been performed ; this is most 

 gratifying to the Postmaster-General. I am assured 

 their exertions will be continued, and I pray they may 

 not be to the injury of the health of the men respec- 

 tively. I direct their attention to the plan of the snow 

 plough, which may be seen at the Post Office. 1 I re- 

 quest the coaches which may be about the country, out 

 of course, may be sent to their proper destinations. 



(Signed) ' George Louis, 



' Surveyor and Superintendent.' 



It was found that the best means of saving horses 

 from falling- was to fill the hoof in the interior of the 

 shoe with soft soap. This soap not only prevents the 

 accumulation of snow, but by its repulsive properties 

 prevents the horse's foot from slipping. By the 28th 

 the roads were, by constant labour, partially cleared, 

 and the mail contractors were generally ready to 

 book passengers again, but still with the stipulation 

 that they should bring no luggage. 



It was reported in London at noon on December 26, 

 that the Manchester, Holyhead, Chester and Halifax 

 mails had stuck fast in the snow drifts at Hockley- Hill 

 near Dunstable. In the background of this picture is 

 the Chester mail. An attempt had been made, by the 



1 This plough was of triangular form, and was made of planks, with 

 braces crossed to hold them together. The nose, or point, of the plough 

 was shod with iron, and had also a shackle, to which hung whippings or 

 bars, by which the horses drew it. It was made from four to six feet deep, 

 according to the depth of the snow. No bottom was needed ; but it was 

 laden on the top with planks, laid across, to give sufficient weight to keep it 

 down to the ground. It was a very efficient implement. 



